Malacanang wishes Pacquiao the best in boxing
match with American Bradley
Malacanang wished all the best for Sarangani
Representative and Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Pacman” Pacquiao who will be
exchanging mitts with American pugilist Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley as it
expressed confidence that the Philippines’ pride will be victorious.
In a regular press briefing in Malacanang,
Friday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the Filipino
people will surely continue supporting Pacquiao as they will be watching the
fight on June 10, Sunday (Manila time) which will be televised live from the
MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas Nevada USA.
“We wish Congressman Pacquiao the best of luck…
the nation will be watching intently. We watch him for his fight against
Timothy Bradley and we know that again, the Pambansang Kamao will prevail,”
Valte said.
The southpaw Pacquiao, who has a professional
record of 54 wins (38 knockouts), 3 losses and 2 draw will be defending his WBO
welterweight title against the undefeated Bradley.
The very first eight-division world champion Pacquiao
have won six world titles. He was also the first to win the lineal championship
in four different weight classes.
Pacman was named "Fighter of the
Decade" for the 2000s (decade) by the Boxing Writers Association of
America (BWAA). He is also a three-time ‘The Ring’ and ‘BWAA’ "Fighter of
the Year," winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
Pacquiao was rated as the best pound for pound
boxer in the world by some sporting news and boxing websites including
BoxRec.com, Sporting Life and The Ring, among others. (jcl/1:33 p.m.)
Palace: Meeting with farmers pushing land reform
fruitful
Malacanang said Friday’s meeting between the
members of the Aquino government and the representatives from farmer
organizations was a constructive one as both sides agreed on several issues.
The members of the Aquino Cabinet welcomed and
met with some 5,200 farmers from various provinces who marched to Malacañang to
push for the completion of the agrarian reform program in the country.
“Marami silang napag-usapan … primarily iyang
mga concerns po ng mga farmers when it comes to land distribution, under CARPER,”
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview
Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
“Mayroon nang mga naklarong issue, mayroon din
support services from the Department of Agriculture that can be extended to the
farmers,” she added noting Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil Delos Reyes update on
the progress of land distribution.
“But for most of it, magre-report iyang mga
miyembro ng ating Gabinete kay Pangulong Aquino pagbalik niya. At titingnan pa
natin kung paano pa iyong mga puwede pang magawa to address the concerns of the
farmer themselves. So mukhang maganda naman iyang naging dayalogo between the
farmers and our fellow workers in government.”
Among the members of the Aquino administration
who joined the five-hour meeting with the farmers include Budget Secretary
Florencio Abad, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala, Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil Delos Reyes, Public Works and
Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Presidential Management Staff Secretary
Julia Abad.
Landbank President and CEO Hilda Pico was also
present in Friday’s meeting in Malacanang.
Other officials who were at the meeting include
undersecretaries from the Department of Agrarian Reform like Undersecretaries
Anthony Parungao, Jerry Pacturan, Narciso Nieto and Assistant Secretary Jose
Grajeda. (as/1:17pm)
U.S. government extolls Aquino for diplomatic
handling of Scarborough Reef standoff
WASHINGTON D.C.: The United States lauded
President Benigno S. Aquino III for his diplomatic handling of the Scarborough
Reef standoff between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China.
In her remarks during the luncheon she hosted in
honor of President Aquino, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton underscored
the need for a continued diplomatic dialogue and further efforts to lessen
tension, to disengage, and to resolve the situation peacefully.
"The United States has been consistent in
that we oppose the use of force or coercion by any claimant to advance it's
claims, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely," Clinton
stressed.
Clinton also called on the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China to conclude
their efforts to reach consensus on a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
"As allies, our two nations consult on
important regional issues, as we have done regarding our respective diplomacy
in the South China Sea," she said adding that the United States does not
take any position on the competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
However, Clinton pointed out that the United
States has a clear interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, freedom
of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded lawful commerce in
the South China Sea. (rsda)
Clinton reaffirms America's commitment to
support construction of National Coast Watch Center
WASHINGTON D.C.: United States Secretary of
State Hilary Clinton reaffirmed Americas commitment to support the
construction, outfitting and training of a new National Coast Watch Center for
the Philippines.
Clinton echoed other commitments of the US
government during the luncheon she hosted in honor of President Benigno. S.
Aquino III on the last leg of his three-day official working visit to the
United States on Friday at the State Department here.
The center is part of the National Coast watch
system created by President Aquino, in September last year by virtue of
Executive Order No. 57, which seeks to expand Philippine naval security
operations to protect the country's maritime territory.
"We are also working closely together to
increase information and intelligence exchanges and coordination on maritime
domain issues," she said.
Together with foreign Affairs Secretary Albert
del Rosario, Clinton said that they signed a new agreement that will spur joint
efforts on science and technology
In his response, President Aquino congratulated
Clinton for the very active and progressive diplomacy that has characterized
the State Department under her leadership.
The President said, Secretary Clinton
understands Asia's role in the future of global order which has guided US
efforts at rebalancing, which will see a deployment of 60 percent of Americas
military forces in the Asia pacific region by 2020.
President Aquino said the Philippines and the
United States are at a new junction in their relations with both counties
working together to build a more stable region and to achieve an even more
prosperous future for both. (rdsa)
Aquino confers Order of Lakandula, with the rank
of Supremo on United States Senator Richard Lugar
WASHINGTON D.C.: President Benigno. S. Aquino
III conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of (Grand Collar) Supremo on
United States Senator Richard Lugar for his significant contributions to the
enhancement of Philippine-US Alliance and Friendship.
The President, who is on a three-day official
working visit here, conferred the award on the U.S Senator, who is also a
ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during the
launching of the United States-Philippine Society at the Mandarin Oriental
Hotel where he was guest of honor and speaker.
Senator Lugar was conferred the award for his
"support of Philippine freedom which was invaluable in securing the return
of democracy in 1986, for his commitment to the peace process in the Philippines
and to the strengthening of the Philippine defense capabilities particularly in
his capacity as a member of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations."
He was also cited for his "leadership in
reducing the threat of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, for his
support in seeking justice and recognition for Filipino veterans of World War
II, and for being a friend to the Filipino people in advocating the strong
Philippine American alliance by spearheading numerous resolutions to the United
States Senate and recently through Senate Resolution No. 252 commemorating the
60th anniversary of the United States-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty."
The Chief Executive Lugar described Lugar as one
who "is popularly known for his principled and consistent support for
Philippine freedom, democracy, the peace process, and the strengthening of
Philippine defense capabilities,"
Earlier, before he joined the formal launching
of the US-Philippine Society at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the President and
his delegation attended a reception with US Senate leaders and members at the
Capitol Hill which was hosted by Senator Daniel Inouye, a long time supporter
of the Philippines in the US Congress.
Upon his arrival, the President was met by
Senator Inouye Also present were Senators John McCain, John Kerry, Thad
Cochran, Harry Reid, Mark Begich, Mark Warnerand Senator Lugar among others.
Senator Lugar authored a resolution on the
commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty
that reiterated America's defense commitment to the Philippines which was
unanimously passed by the US Senate on the eve of President Aquno's arrival in
Washington D.C. (rsda)
Aquino says it is not his administration's
intention to embroil U.S. in military intervention in Asia Pacific Region
WASHINGTON D.C.: President Benigno S. Aquino III
on Friday said that it is not the intention of his government to embroil the
United States in military intervention in the Asia Pacific Region particularly
the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea as he acknowledged that
countries in the region will benefit from the stability brought about by the US
presence in the area.
"We recognize that our two nations, with so
many other nations, will all share in the peace and prosperity that comes from
the U.S. adding it's voice to supporting and guaranteeing a rules-based
international system," the Chief Executive said in his speech during the
formal launching of the United States-Philippines Society at the Mandarin
Oriental hotel here.
The President emphasized that many nations in
the region welcome the United States' re-balancing plan, which, he said, would
strategically position about 60 percent of U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific
Region by 2020.
He also bared the country's commitment to
defusing the tension in the Scarborough Shoal which is locally referred to as
Bajo de Masinloc, which both the People's Republic of China and the Philippines
are claiming as integral part of their territory.
"Right now we are engaged in bilateral
dialogue to find a mutually beneficial way to break the impasse; and we fully
intend to come up with a solution that will maintain peace and stability in the
region, while at the same time upholding the dignity and sovereign rights of our
people," the President said.
According to the President, his administration
has been firm in asserting it's rights over the Philippine Exclusive Economic
Zone as he expressed the belief that it is important for the People's Republic
of China to adhere to the ASEAN Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.
In this connection, President Aquino noted that
he is optimistic that the dialogue between the two countries will progress
favorably.
The President likewise stressed that his
nomination of a very competent and well-respected career diplomat as the
country's Ambassador to China " will open up new dialogues on this
sensitive issue."
"We have also supported efforts to draft a
new code of conduct in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea; and we are
also continuing to use regional mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum and
the East Asia Summit to build an environment conducive to the peaceful
settlement of disputes.
The West Philippine Sea dispute is expected to
be one of the issues President Aquino will take up with United States President
Barack Obama during their meeting at the Oval Office in the White House. (rsda)
Aquino wants proactive Independence Day
celebration
President Benigno S. Aquino III wants a
proactive celebration of Independence Day next week encouraging Filipinos to
enliven the true meaning of this year’s commemoration.
“As per the President’s instruction, we should
have a very minimal fun fare at magko-concentrate po tayo talaga doon sa theme
natin sa Independence Day,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said
in a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
This year’s celebration has for its theme,
“Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.”
Before he left for his trip overseas, the
President was pondering on how Filipinos should greet each other during
Independence Day, Valte said.
“Parang the President was saying na… we should
go beyond, greeting each other just a Happy Independence Day. It has to be more
than that, it has to be proactive,” she said.
“It has to be an empowered Independence Day.
Hindi lang iyong sini-celebrate natin at makakalimutan sa susunod na araw kasi
hindi na holiday,” Valte added.
The President also wants Filipinos to keep
contributing to the independence that they now enjoy, Valte added.
The President will lead on Tuesday the 114th
celebration of Independence Day at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.
During the Barasoain Church event, the chief
executive will lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies. Similar
activities will also be simultaneously held at the Rizal Monument in Manila,
Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite and at the Bonifacio Monument in
Caloocan City.
Among those who are expected to attend the event
in Bulacan will be the members of the President’s Cabinet, members of the
diplomatic corps, war veterans, police and military officials, representatives
from the national government agencies, local government officials, teachers and
students.
After the event in Bulacan, the President will
go back to Malacanang to host this year’s Vin D’ Honneur where he is expected
to deliver an Independence Day message. (as/2:07pm)
Government determined to arrest rising spread of
HIV virus
The Aquino government has partnered with the
various stakeholders and private advocacy groups to combat the rising number of
reported human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) cases in the country, a Palace official said on Saturday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
said during an interview aired over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on
Saturday that the government remains committed to prevent the proliferation of
HIV-AIDS cases in the country through a more focused and multi-sectoral
approach and an efficient implementation of the prevention and control programs
The Department of Health (DoH) has already
launched an information drive to teach the public about the fatal infection of
the HIV-AIDS and the possible ways to protect them from the illness.
"The DOH is working closely not just with
local government units (LGUs) but with stakeholders in this issue. Marami na
kasing mga private groups at ito iyang kanilang advocacy and the DOH is working
with them para ma-arrest iyang pagtaas ng mga ganitong kaso," Valte said.
Valte said other concerned government agencies
are also launching HIV-AIDS prevention activities and community home-based care
and support programs to reach out to more people most at risk of HIV/AIDS. (js)
